Oil change recommendation

[otis24]

2005 Impala (3400 engine). One-owner vehicle. I purchased in Dec with 23k miles. Currently has 41k miles. Driven 75 hwy miles one way each day.

I typically do my own oil changes with Mobil 1 synthtic 0W/30. Use GM oil life monitor which put me at 9k miles this last go around, which is about four oil changes per year.

For about the same cost, I can have the dealership where I work do the oil changes with Motorcraft Semi-syntethic. I get a discount, 5% of what I spend back towards future purchases and every fifth oil change free. Also included is a multi-point inspection.

Should I continue to do it myself or have the dealership change it? I really shouldn't be concerned about doing 9k miles on MC oil. My main concern is that this vehicle needs to last to at least 200k miles. Your thoughts?

 

[02zx9r]

If you enjoy doing it yourself then continue changing it. If it is a hassle for you to change it then have the dealership do it if you dont want to fool with it

 

[HTSS_TR]

Oil life monitor of the Impala is calibrated with dino, you can easily use Motorcraft Semi-syn at dealer for the full OCI with your easy highway drive. The benefit is convenience(oil change while you're at work) and the 5th oil change free.

 

[aquariuscsm]

I`d keep on doing it yourself with the M1.

 

[lexus114]

MB-1 0w30 is hard to beat!

 

[chubbs1]

9k on MC is probably OK but I wouldn't do it w/o a UOA to see how it is holding up. The M1 0w30 is a higher quality oil w/o question. I would feel more comfortable w/M1...or a UOA to see how the MC is holding up.

 

[geissjr]

I would stick with M1 0w-30. If you choose to have the shop conduct the service, I would not go much past 7k on the semi syn oil. Good luck.

 

[williar]

M1 0w30 is a pretty light oil (low HTHS). I'd use a 5w30, M1 or otherwise. MC oil is fine, from what I've read.

 

[lexus114]

Originally Posted By: williar
M1 0w30 is a pretty light oil (low HTHS). I'd use a 5w30, M1 or otherwise. MC oil is fine, from what I've read.



The 0W30 has a better base stock. Although the 5W30 is a good oil too.

 

[dparm]

Motorcraft semi-syn is a decent enough oil. If it's inexpensive, I think it'd serve you well.

 

[Oregoonian]

My suggestion..... is to use one of Mobils EP oils (M1 5w30EP).....and a Mobil EP filter.

Mobil gurantees both this oil... and filter... for 15K....and thus would reduce your OCI considerably.
______________________________________________
03' Ford Focus (2.3L Duratec PZEV) / 98 K
PP 5w20 / Purolator PureOne / OCI: 7500 +/-

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: 02zx9r
If you enjoy doing it yourself then continue changing it. If it is a hassle for you to change it then have the dealership do it if you dont want to fool with it


Agreed. If you like changing the oil yourself, keep it up. But if you'd prefer the convenience of someone else doing it while you're at work, giving the car an inspection, getting 5% back on other purchases and 20% of your oil changes free... well, I know which way I'd go. You should at least give it a shot and see how the oil changes at work turn out for you.

The OLM is calibrated for mineral oil and tends to be fairly accurate. I see no reason not to go with whatever mileage it determines is suitable.

 

[Gene K]

I think either program will work.

Are you willing to do UOA? The GM 60 Degree OHV family makes me nervous with its history of manifold/coolant leaks into the oil.


I would think you would be the ideal type of driver for an Amsoil Program (UOA Supported). I suspect you could go 6 months at a time using ASL.